Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1887-11-17

barcarolles down in the garden as she
wandered by herself, he did not turn
in that direction, but threw himself on
the sofa in the bay window, where the
fluttering muslin curtain half con-
cealed him, and with his hands crossed
beneath his head, fell into dreamy
sort of rcyerie.
Probably it was succeeded by some
thing very like slumber, for when he
came back to a consciousness Of the
world around him, there were voices
by the opposite window-Lucy and her
mother enjoying the quiet twilight to-
gether
"Hark" said Lucy softly, after
moment or two of silence; don't you
hear Nita singing in the gardenP
What thrush-like voice she has!
Mamma, Nita is growing restless; she
thinks she ought to have something to
do"
Lucy" said Mrs. Keene, Ibid it
never strike you that-that Mr.. Dew
ereux was beginning to notice Mia
Dominique good deal?"
Eyes, mamma.
Lucy's voice was changed and con-
strained now.
'Do you think he is in love with
her, Lucy?"
II think he is, mamma.
"But Lucy" said Mrs. Keene with a
disturbed tone, sit is not right. |
thought hoped Mr.. Deyereux was
growing fond Of you"
Mamma, darling'-and by the
sound of Lucy's voice Mr.. Dcycreux
knew that she had left her seat and
was nesting close TO her mothers
SHOULDERS is right. Mr.. Devereux
has been most kind to us; but we must
sever presume on his kindnes He
has never given US real reason to sup
pose him aught but warm friend and
generous neighbor; and if he does love
Mia Dominique, she will have gained
a true and noble husband"
81 shall never endure the sight Of
Nta again if she is TO take the bright
ness out of your life, Lucy" faltered
the mother.
Mamma, darling, hush" coaxed
Lucy. "Ought to grudge poor Nita
the one drop of sweetness in her bitter
cupp Come mamma, don't let us talk
of this any more! The piano is open
in the back room, and 1 have not sung
you the Italian canzanetta that Mia
Taught me last night.
The mother and daughter went away
and when they returned half an hour
later, with candles lighted, the room
was empty
Lucy said Mr. Deyereux, day
or two afterwards, 81 have been think
ing of nice situation for Nita."
"What is itP'
There was no bitter jealousy in the
soft eyes that she turned up towards
his face, only the sweet friendly inter-
est one young girl might have in the
welfare of another.
what do you think of her as com
panion and instructress to my little
girlsp" he asked.
81 think Mia Dominique's compah-
ionship would ennoble and improve
anyone"
Loyalty spoken, my little advo-
catew laughed Mr.. DevereuX. "Theu
you think had better speak to her OF
the subject Though, perhaps, | may
be too old companion for her fresh
youth at DevereuX-terrace.
Lucy hositated and colored
mo, Mr.. Devereux," she SAID quiet
"; Il think Nita would beNery happy
at your home. She loves children,
and-and
We'll" Mr.. Devereux decided, lat
all events, I'll try my luck with her
have your sanction and APPROVAL
Can YOU doubt it?'
But Mr.. DeyereuX did not know how
Lucy keene cried herself quietly tC
sleep that night, when all the other in
mates of the cottage were wrapped il
slumber.
'I.ucie,N Nita'S soft voice appealed
TO her friend the moment Lucy made
her appearance the next morning, 'it
is taat the signor, the good man anc
noble, and your friend, mia cara ba.
asked me to make my home at his pa
lazzo, te1rdccc0-l know not how YOU
phrase it; and to teach the signOrinas
his little girls, both in Italian and in
French, aud | said yes. Was right?'
surely YOU were right, Nita Oh
dear Nita, hope you will be happy
Happy! why should | not? The
signor is kind, although he is not
young, He will make me happy. But
see, Lucie, he waits for you in the gar
den, where the rosebuds hang. Go, my
dear friend.
And Nita gently pushed her frient
from her.
Lucy Keene obeyed although she
could not help thinking within her
self that it would bevery hard 70 listen
with passonless calmness to the rap
lures of the newly accepted lover.
I Mr.. Devereux was walking up and
down the garden path, after his usual
q fashion, with hands elasped behind hi;
back, and head slightly depressed
when Lucy's light footsteps sounded
on the gravel.
'Lucyw
! 'Yes, Mr. Deyereux,' she rejoined
"Nita has promIsedl'
Il congratulate YOU" she said with
cboked accents
: And think | deserve congratula
4 tons. Now that have secured a good
; governess, l am not yet content, how
ever, want a wife.